We’re just a week away from the biggest trip of the year as the family hits the road for vacation and along the way we make some stadium stops. This was a thoroughly mapped-out trip and that should come as no surprise for those that know me. My wife (and I to some extent) want to visit each of the 50 states and with a two-year old daughter, we want to be strategic in what states to hit and when. This year, we settled on Mississippi and Alabama with the spring-time being a better time to make the trip, as opposed to the searing heat and humidity in the summer. Stadium-wise, that means ballparks are the venue, but May gives the chance to see not just professional baseball, but college as well and that is great given the popularity of the sport in the South. We are starting the drive on May 12, making stops along the way before settling in Hattiesburg, MS the evening of May 13. The following day, after a visit to the zoo, we’ll be at Pete Taylor Park to see nationally-ranked Southern Miss take on UAB. We’ll then make the short drive to Biloxi, MS after the game and spend the next 3 days touring the city and the Gulf Coast. One of those nights will feature the Biloxi Shuckers and a game at MGM Park. On Wednesday, we venture into Alabama, where a few days are devoted to the state capitol in Montgomery. There is a good amount to see and do there, which will fill the daytime and then at night, we’ll see the Biscuits play in their downtown stadium. In addition, I’ll also be checking out the city’s older ballpark, Paterson Field, which hosts the first game of the Alabama High School Baseball Championship series for each classification. The last day in Alabama before starting the journey home will be in the Loveliest Village On The Plains. If you know the SEC, you know that’s Auburn and we’ll stroll the college-town sipping lemonade from Toomer’s Drugs along the way before finishing at Plainsman Park for a Tigers baseball game. We’re really hoping the weather cooperates and everything goes smoothly as we look forward to visiting the Deep South (and enjoying some delicious, traditional food). I’ll probably try a day-by-day running blog during the trip, so check back!
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Stadium and Arena Visits 